Radiology

Department Information

Diagnostic and Interventional Tests and Treatments

Highland District Hopsital provides a full range of radiology services from diagnostic imaging to interventional procedures. State of the art technology has been the catalyst behind the success of this department. We feature the Toshiba Aquilion 64-slice CT scanner, which provides you with high-quality images faster at a lower dose. We also have the Siemens Magnetom Spree - Open Bore magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system: This advanced MRI system combines a larger bore – or opening – for obese and claustrophobic patients, with the ability to capture high-field quality, diagnostic images. This all combined with the Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS). Coupled with available and emerging web technology, PACS has the ability to deliver timely and efficient access to images, interpretations, and related data. PACS breaks down the physical and time barriers associated with traditional film-based image retrieval, distribution, and display. All of our radiologists are board-certified by the American Board of Radiology.

Diagnostic Radiology

What is diagnostic radiology?

Diagnosing a problem is the first step toward recovery from any medical condition. Some procedures performed at Highland District Hospital are:

MRI - using a magnetic field to provide detailed images

Ultrasound - using sound waves to view internal structures

Radiography - and general x-rays for clear precise images

CT Scan - to show anatomy in great detail

Nuclear medicine - to view real-time organ function

GI (gastrointestinal) Series - to see the digestive tract

Digital Fluoroscopy - to see moving body systems including the skeletal, digestive, urinary, respiratory, and reproductive systems in real-time.

See associated services link below for further detail.

Interventional Radiology

What is interventional radiology?

Interventional radiology is a rapidly growing area of medicine that uses non-surgical or minimally invasive techniques for diagnosis and treatment of certain medical conditions.

Small catheters or other guided instruments are used to view and capture images of the inside of blood vessels, the digestive tract, or other systems in the human body.

For some procedures, a very small incision is required. This is usually easier for the patient than conventional surgery, with less pain and a shorter recovery time.

Fluoroscopy, a type of interventional procedure, uses a very narrow instrument to take x-ray images that are projected onto a TV-like monitor. This allows a doctor to view real-time body function.

Why would I need an interventional procedure?

In many cases, minimally invasive procedures are preferred over conventional surgery. For example, with balloon angioplasty, blocked or narrowed blood vessels can be opened by inserting a very small balloon into the vessel and inflating it. Interventional radiology services are generally pain-free, non-invasive and available to both outpatients and inpatients.

Image-guided interventional procedures include:

Arthrogram

Lumbar puncture

Paracentesis

Thorocentesis

Myelogram

Needle biopsies

Highland District Hospital's radiology team offers many other types of procedures, all headed by board-certified radiologists.